Harry Perryman has spent most of his career at Collingwood as a defender, despite a few forays into midfield in his last year at GWS in 2023. Last week he was shifted into mids again to play a tagging role on Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, which was so effective that he shut the Messiah out of the game in the second half. This week, if coach Craig McRae wants to pull the same lever, Izak Rankine is the most likely target for his tagging duties. Jordan Dawson is more of an accumulator but it's Rankine who has more hurt factor per touch. Is this a permanent role for Perryman?
Harry Perryman has spent most of his career at Collingwood as a defender, despite a few forays into midfield in his last year at GWS in 2023. Last week he was shifted into mids again to play a tagging role on Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, which was so effective that he shut the Messiah out of the game in the second half. This week, if coach Craig McRae wants to pull the same lever, Izak Rankine is the most likely target for his tagging duties. Jordan Dawson is more of an accumulator but it's Rankine who has more hurt factor per touch. Is this a permanent role for Perryman?
Harry Perryman has been in the news lately as the target of a big-money contract offer from Hawthorn, leading some to question whether he would be worth it as he doesn't seem to have a discernible one-wood in the bag. It is his versatility that is his best quality, though, most often starting at half back for GWS but capable of playing a regular midfield role or even a run-with role on the opposition's best inside mid. Every coach loves that kind of Mr Fixit player, as is gives them flexibility in structure on matchday. Could he be the next Ed Richards, especially if he switches clubs?
Harry Perryman is in contract talks at the moment, always a fraught time at GWS which has had historical problems with player retention. Living in the footy wilderness of Western Sydney can have its advantages at times, but continually losing players to the big Victorian clubs with established pathways is always going to be an issue for this franchise. In Perryman, they have the sort of homegrown roleplayer that the club lacked in its early years, just getting the job done without attracting attention, and not letting the side down. As a fantasy asset, he is similarly middling.
Will GWS pay the Perryman?
In a third-year breakout, Harry Perryman established himself as a senior regular, not missing a beat after the punctured lung suffered in round 1 kept him out for seven matches. The former first-round Academy selection slid between half back and midfield, producing his best in the nail-biting preliminary final. His NEAFL days are over, so expect the Collingullie product to be a mainstay in Leon Cameron's squad. With every chance to improve his stats with another strong preseason, Perryman is an easy middle-round selection.
Perryman flips coin
Entering his third season, the pressure is now on Harry Perryman to become an unquestioned member of the best 22. The young Giant struggled with a variety of smaller ailments last campaign, managing a consecutive run of games above two just once. A rebounding defender in the seniors, Perryman plays midfield in the NEAFL and led disposal averages for GWS at that level. He enjoyed a career high 22 touches in round 23, playing the first final before being dropped for the semi. In a similar position to Isaac Cumming, Perryman is fighting a tough battle given the plethora of high-quality half backs at GWS. Coach Leon Cameron has touted him as a candidate to step in for the departed Dylan Shiel, a promising sign for his potential as a midfield option. His accumulation abilities at junior and NEAFL level suggest opportunity is the only factor slowing him from increasing fantasy production. One to keep an eye on through the preseason as a potential smoky.
